“Well, it just doesn’t look like it could be the same place, yet every change is for the better,” remarked T. A. Price of Philadelphia, Mississippi, talking of Shelby, his home town, which he saw recently for the first time in 38 years.
The Shelby Mr. Price knew in his last visit, some time in the ‘80’s, would make an interesting picture for some of the younger inhabitants. Though he has lived most of his life in another state the visitor says that without doubt Cleveland County is the best place in the world to live.
“Although I’m happy and getting along fine,” he added with a hint of regret in his eyes, “I believe I made a mistake in seeking greener fields elsewhere. Nowhere in the world have I seen such progress as that made hereabouts.”
Asked as to what change in the 38 years he noticed most, the Mississippi man replied briefly: “Cotton mills.”
When he last left Shelby, as he remembers, there was only one cotton mill in operation near Shelby. It was the present Double Shoals plant, the operated by ‘Lias organ, father of Fred Morgan, Shelby textile official. Nowadays Cleveland County ranks third in North Carolina in number of textile plants.
Mr. Price, who is 65 years of age, left Cleveland County in 1878 and since for the major portion of the time has made his home in Mississippi.
He came back to the county in June and has been visiting his son, C. G. Price, and the family of his brother-in-law, John W. Ellis. Mr. Ellis, it will be remembered, died only recently.
Among other things Mr. Price spent much of his time while here talking with old friends, boy pals back in the ‘70’s. Preparing to leave for his home Monday, Mr. Price says that he visit concludes the happiest period in his life.
From the front page of The Cleveland Star, July 23, 1926
newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn97064509/1926-07-23/ed-1/seq-1/
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